NSCN (IM) apprises masses about talks

Perhaps for the first time since its ceasefire with the Union government, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) has launched a programme to apprise the masses of the progress of the ongoing talks between the outfit and the Centre.

Perhaps for the first time since its ceasefire with the Union government, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) has launched a programme to apprise the masses of the progress of the ongoing talks between the outfit and the Centre.

A team of NSCN (IM) leaders today addressed a large gathering at Kohima Village on Saturday where Deputy Kilonser (minister) Kilo Affairs, V Horam said the Government of India has recognised the "unique history and situation" of the Nagas and the situation is no longer considered a law and order problem, but a political issue. He said India's stand in the matter had changed unlike the past "when leaders such as Nehru had tried to crush the Naga national movement by sending the Indian Army". He said that a solution could be brought about only through talks on both sides, by negotiating across the table, through peaceful means without force so that a mutually agreed solution is arrived at. He however warned that they "were prepared for war as much as they are prepared for talks".

The "minister" further said that the government of India had accepted the position of the Nagas and was working for a solution without any pre-conditions in the form of surrender of arms or talks within the ambit of the Indian constitution. The talks would be at "the highest level" he said. Regarding the time taken in resolving the issue and confusion among some, he said that two or three years had gone by in "confidence building measures with the Indian government".

Stressing that the "Naga issue was unique and so the solution has to be unique", he reiterated that the NSCN (IM) continued to be a peoples' movement. Certain proposals were being put forward at the he said adding that these included "use of Indian currency for the time being, use of the Naga flag, and joint defence of Nagalim". Other points being discussed are use of Indian passports, "but with the nationality stating 'Naga', and a special federal relationship, he said.